Posted on August 8th, 2014 in Landscaping | 1 Comment »
Kim Holden, Landscape Specialist
- Cut back spent perennials 2-4” from the crown.
- Clean out weeds and annuals.
- Many annuals, perennials and ornamental grasses with seed heads provide a good food source for birds. Leave those over the winter and cut back in the spring.
- Rake up leaves around roses, peonies, fruit trees and other plants susceptible to powdery mildew and other pests and diseases that over winter on debris – Bag and discard, do NOT compost or use as mulch.
- Mulch your beds with shredded leaves after the ground freezes to protect your perennials from frost heaving.
- Plant spring bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and hyacinth.
- Dig up tender bulbs such as dahlia, canna, gladiolus and elephant ear and store for the winter in a cool dry place around 50 degrees. An unheated basement, crawlspace or garage usually works well.
- Clean up your vegetable garden by removing weeds and debris.
- Divide spring blooming perennials.
- Water your trees, shrubs and perennials thoroughly before the ground freezes to avoid future damage.
- Clean your tools and apply a light layer of oil to prevent rusting over the winter.